From our previous experience, we look for a more active circulation of this calumny, from our refutation of it; but we console ourselves with the reflection that there is a God in heaven who watches over all, and who will make the truth apparent in due time. At any rate, no such consideration shall hinder us a moment from exposing error and deception, so far as our occupations and duties shall afford us the leisure to do so.
[18] _Evenings with the Romanists._ Rev. M. Hobart Seymour. Carter & Brothers. New York.
_Is Romanism the best Religion for the Republic?_ Pamphlet. Pott & Amery. New York.
_Good News._ October, 1868. P. S. Wynkoop & Son. New York.
_Fair Play on Both Sides._ Pamphlet. New Haven. Rev. L. W. Bacon.
_Watchman and Reflector._ Boston, August 12.
[19] _Rome._ By John Francis Maguire, M.P.; p. 169.
OR, EXTRACTS FROM THE NOTE-BOOK OF AN AMERICAN IN A FRENCH MONASTERY.
"Pour chercher mieux."--_Device of Queen Christina of Sweden._
I entered the novitiate on the 22d. The _Veni sponsa Christi, accipe coronam quam tibi Dominus præparavit in æternum_ has been sounding in my heart ever since like a war-cry, animating me to the interior combat. For the cloister is that oasis in the great desert of the world where is carried on a vital combat between nature and grace, more furious than that between Christian and Paynim in the Diamond of the desert. I have been much happier since I entered upon my new life, and am glad I can go out no more. I love the solitude
and calmness of the cloister, which at last extends to the heart; I love the shrines "where their vigils pale-eyed virgins keep;" I love the companionship of those who seem unsullied by earthly passions; and I love this release from all earthly care, with no thought for what we shall eat, or what we shall drink, or wherewithal we shall be clothed. Is it not better than the bustle and vanity of the world, which almost efface the thought of God?
And then, you know, I have always believed that there are some who are called to perpetuate the glorious fellowship of Christ's sufferings; to share, as members of his body, the pains and sorrows of the great Head of the church; and to make reparation to heaven for the constant outrages against the Divine Majesty. As Faber says, "Nuns are the turtle-doves of the church, who have to mourn in a spirit of loving sorrow and sweet reparation over the wrongs of their heavenly Spouse."